Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve
Contact Information
SC Department of Natural Resources311 Natural Resources Drive
Clemson, SC 29631
Mary Bunch, Preserve Manager
(864) 654-6738 ext. 15
Tom Swayngham, Region 1 Coordinator
(864) 654-1671 ext. 21
Mark Hall, Jocassee Gorges Manager
(864) 878-9071
Hours of Operation
The area is open during daylight hours year-round.
Contributions to the Endangered Wildlife Fund on the South Carolina Income Tax Form help to make the identification and management of these preserves possible.
Photographs
Description
Eastatoe Creek covers 374 acres in Pickens County. This steep mountain gorge features some old growth hemlock, a rainbow trout stream, dramatic rock cliffs and rare ferns that are maintained by the creek's moist spray. Surrounded by Jocassee Gorges, some management of the property is done in conjunction with the Jocassee Gorges Natural area (formally called the Jim Timmerman Natural Area at Jocassee Gorges.) The entire preserve falls within the Franklin Gravely Wildlife Management Area of Game Zone 1. Hunting is allowed in accordance with WMA regulations. Games species typically hunted on the preserve are black bear, deer, squirrel and turkey. Primitive camping and fires, using downed dead scavenged wood, are allowed in a designated area. The trail is included as a spur trail of the Foothills Trail. Fishing, with artificial lures only, is allowed with a valid SC Fishing License.
Within the preserve, three streams - Laurel Branch, Side of Mountain Creek, and Rocky Bottom Creek - flow into Eastatoe Creek. The Eastatoe falls 600 feet in elevation to tumble across large rocks and boulders before roaring through a series of narrow channels aptly called “The Narrows.” This turbulent water system generates a fine spray, which helps maintain high humidity along the Eastatoe. This high humidity enables three species of rare ferns to thrive. One of these, the Tunbridge Fern (Hymenophyllum tumbridgense), exists nowhere else in North America. Cove and Upland hardwoods, including white, red, and chestnut oaks, hickories, red maples, and black locusts comprise the dominant forest type at the preserve. Spring wildflowers, such as bloodroot, attract visitors.